Wallabies prop to equal the great George Gregan’s all-time record in Argentina rematch
Former Wallabies scrum-half George Gregan and current front-row James Slipper.
An unfortunate injury to rookie front-row Isaac Kailea means veteran front-row James Slipper is set to takes his place in the Wallabies matchday squad and, in doing so, find a place in Australia’s record books.
Kailea came off the bench in Saturday’s narrow 20-19 triumph over Argentina in Buenos Aires but was on only on the field for 18 minutes before a head knock forced him off the field.
Despite being symptom free, the Waratahs-bound loosehead prop is set to miss the rematch with Los Pumas in Sante Fe on Saturday after returning to Australia due to the 11-day standdown period for a failed HIA.
The Wallabies issued a statement to confirm Kailea’s departure from the squad which read: “Isaac Kailea will return to Australia to complete his graduated return to play protocols after suffering a concussion in last night’s Test.
“He is symptom free. Zane Nonggorr will join the group in Argentina.”
Slipper set to return to action
Kailea’s absence opens the door for the return of James Slipper, who missed last week’s week’s Test with Los Pumas due to the birth of his second child.
The veteran front-row has won 138 Test caps for his country, just one adrift of legendary scrum-half George Gregan‘s all-time Wallaby record of 139.
Wallabies captain’s frank statement after ‘pinch me’ moment against Argentina
If he does earn a recall to Australia’s matchday 23 and take to the field against Argentina, he is set to break Gregan’s record in the Wallabies’ upcoming Bledisloe Cup Tests, which gets underway in Sydney on September 21.
The Western Force’s Tom Robertson, who was named in the Wallabies squad after overcoming an ACL injury, is head coach Joe Schmidt‘s other option at loosehead prop.
After negotiating rainy conditions in Buenos Aires, the Wallabies are looking forward to their clash in Santa Fe where the weather is expected to be much drier.
“We know that in very different conditions, forecast 26 degrees in Santa Fe next week, we’re going to be playing a different Puma side, a very motivated Puma side,” said Schmidt after Saturday’s victory.
‘The margins are fine’
“As happened with the Pumas and the All Blacks (in the first two games), at the very top level, the margins are fine, and that can swing very quickly.
“Even within a game, we saw earlier today, a ten-point margin with ten to go wasn’t enough if a team really finishes over the top.
“I have massive respect for Felipe Contepomi. I have no doubt that they’ll create problems for us next week.”
